Hair Mistakes: 6 Things You're Doing That Damage Your Hair Extensions

Let’s talk hair extensions. Whether you’re rocking clip in extensions or investing in permanent extensions, there’s always that little voice whispering, “do extensions damage your hair?”. The truth is no – they’ll only become damaged if you let them. I mean, these glorious tresses give you instant volume and enviable length, but treat them wrong and might regret it…

Here’s 6 things you might be doing that can damage your hair extensions and your natural hair, and how to keep your Remy hair extensions looking luxurious and loved!

6 Hair Mistakes You’re Making That Damage Your Hair Extensions

1. Using Harsh Products

Slathering your natural hair or damaged hair extensions with anything loaded with sulphates or alcohol is like giving them a dry martini – they just become more brittle and parched. These damaging ingredients strip away moisture and natural oils, leaving your human hair extensions feeling rough, dull, and begging for mercy. And when your real hair looks fried? It’s often chemical dehydration. Opt instead for our sulphate‑free shampoo and conditioner made specifically for human hair extensions and treat your locks like Remy royalty!

2. Heat Styling Too Often 

Look, we get it – you want the perfect curls or sleek straight locks, but the best of us know that heat is the thief of moisture. Constantly using straighteners and curling wands without heat protectant is a fast pass to dryness, split ends, and breakage on both your natural hair and those beautiful clip in extensions. This absolutely damages your hair extensions over time. If you must style with heat, keep the tools on low, spray on some of our heat protection, and always finish with a spritz of our nourishing silky spray.

3. Washing Too Often or Not Enough

Although you may not realise it, over‑washing can be just as bad as neglect. Washing your extensions and natural hair too frequently strips away their hydration. On the flipside, not cleansing them enough also creates build-up from products like dry shampoo, oils and sweat, making things your locks feel stiff and synthetic, and more importantly, unclean.

For clip‑in hair extensions and professional hair extensions, a good rule of thumb is ensuring you wash your locks no more than two to three times a week depending on your hair type. Always make sure to gently detangle from the ends upwards, and never harshly. Let your hair extensions air‑dry if you can, and if you’re wearing permanents, always wait for that crucial 72‑hour bonding period to go by before shampooing, or you could risk loosened adhesion and suffer major slippage.

4. Brushing Aggressively 

Tug, snag, pull – no thanks. If you’re brushing your extensions without care, especially harsh near the roots or bonded areas, you’re actually pulling on your natural hair too. This can cause breakage or even traction alopecia over time depending on how often you wear them.

Clip in extensions may seem weightless, but worn daily or tugged into a bun too tight? That’s a recipe for thinning. Use our extension-friendly brush and always brush gently! Start at the ends, hold the roots with your fingers, and glide slowly. If you’re planning on going to sleep, remember to always take your clip ins out, as leaving them clipped in can lead to tangles, matting, friction, and damage to both your extensions and your own hair. Now that is NOT the definition of beauty sleep!

5. Wearing Your Extensions Too Often or For Too Long

Even the sturdiest and most luxurious of Remy hair extensions deserve a little break. If you’re wearing clip‑in hair extensions every single day or leaving permanent hair extensions in too long without maintenance, you risk stressing your follicles – yes, your hair can get stressed out too!

If you’re left googling “can hair extensions damage your hair?” in a panic, then the chances are it’s time to give your scalp a rest. Take breaks, vary your styles, and let your natural hair breathe at least a couple of times a week. No extensions in bed, and no tight ponytails the next day either. With tape in extensions or other permanent extensions like nano rings, move‑ups and adjustments at your salon are required every 6–8 weeks, and they're absolutely essential when it comes to your hair's health. 

6. Skipping Proper Maintenance and Storage

You wouldn’t just throw your favourite designer bag in a skip, so don’t do the same with your hair extensions! Clip‑ins in particular deserve gentle care: after each wear, detangle, brush, and store them neatly, ideally in our protective hanger and carrier.

Permanent extensions? Keep up with salon appointments and follow a pro routine: sulphate‑free washes, deep conditioning hair masks, leave‑ins. And once your set’s lifespan ends, have them removed properly (ideally by a stylist), don’t pull them out yourself… that’s how natural hair damage begins!

Why Are My New Hair Extensions Dry and Frizzy?

If your clip in extensions or permanent hair extensions look thirsty, there’s a culprit in the mix. It could be wrong products, heat abuse, or tangled friction from wearing at bedtime, all leading to dryness and frizz. Even human hair extensions need moisture, hydration, and protection. Rehydrate them weekly with nourishing hair masks or bond‑repair treatments, sleep on silk or satin pillows, and restore shine with lightweight hair oils. Don’t ignore the clue: dryness means your extensions, and your natural hair, need a hydration vacation.

Conclusion:

So, next time you flip those clip‑in hair extensions or schedule your professional hair extensions appointment, it’s all about the love you give, not the drama you bring. Avoid harsh chemicals, go easy with the heat, skip the overnight wear, brush with soft hands, wash with intention, and rest your real hair between sets. That way, your human hair extensions stay glossy, your natural hair stays strong, and both stay damage‑free. Treat yourself and those tresses right!

Looking for flawless, salon-worthy hair without breaking the bank? At Cliphair, we’ve got you covered with luxurious clip in hair extensions for quick transformations and permanent hair extensions for long-lasting glam. Extensions require special care and maintenance to preserve their quality, which is why we have all the  top-notch hydrating haircare products needed to keep your style on point.

Need the perfect shade? Browse our full range of human hair extensions in over 70 rich, silky shades or check out our FREE Express Colour Match Service to ensure a seamless blend every time.